Convenient condo in Kapiolani

You’ve probably driven by the Ala Wai Plaza dozens of times. Its curved glass circulation tower stands out as you drive toward Diamond Head on Kapiolani Boulevard at the corner of University Avenue.

While the building may not have the flash of the newer condos built in the 2000s, this 25-story condominium, built in 1970, is a well maintained example of the modern architecture boom of the time.

This three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath condo just came back onto the market last week after being in contract. (Click here for details.)

The 1,432-square-foot unit features a living/dining area with hardwood floors, a lanai off the living room, plus a half bath for guests downstairs. The staircase is an open design allowing for an airy feel. The cross ventilation in the 20th floor unit makes great use of the trade winds, so you can leave your air conditioner off most days.

The owners, who are moving to California, renovated the kitchen and baths about five years ago. Granite countertops were installed in the kitchen, along with a double vanity in the master bath.

Upstairs houses the three bedrooms and two of the baths. The master bedroom, with plantation shutters for privacy, spans the space of the unit overlooking Ala Wai Park and the canal. The other bedrooms are on the mauka side.

The building’s amenities include a pool, exercise room, barbecue area and meeting room.

There’s good news for those with a green thumb who long for a garden. One of the city’s 10 community gardens is practically in your backyard. The Ala Wai Community Garden, which has 157 plots, is at the end of University Avenue, next to the elementary school.

Also, if you’ve got a penchant for paddling, the Waikiki Surf Club practices just makai of the building on the canal.

The fuzz factor: Two pets are allowed, each with a 20-pound weight limit.

Two covered parking stalls come with the unit. Alas, there is no guest parking and street parking is tight here. However, its convenient location is super close to TheBus.

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About Our Writer

Rachel Ross is a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawai‘i Realty. Raised in Hawai‘i Kai, she previously worked in public relations and marketing where she assisted some of O‘ahu’s biggest community developers, educators and businesses. She loves connecting people and says that real estate is a form of matchmaking. She is mom to three teenagers and an avid runner, and notes that the hour each day of pavement-pounding is the only teen-angst-free peace and quiet she gets all day. rachelr@bhhshawaii.com